Does being frugal mean we have to.....

Meghan&Noah'sMom · **Does being frugal mean we have to.....**

give up things we really enjoy in life? Kim's thread about being fashionable on a budget got me thinking about this.

For myself overall I am a pretty frugal person. I can't stand spending $5 for a cup of coffee at Caribou when I can make it at home for free. I balk at having to shell out $9 a ticket to go to a movie (that's 9 Redbox rentals!). I love my Walgreens rebates and I love using up what food I have in the house before I hit the grocery store.

However, I also cannot live my life in total deprivation. To do so would mean giving up who I am and if I did that, then I wouldn't be the person my husband fell in love with, I wouldn't be the mom my kids love and I wouldn't be the friend my friends like so much. I wouldn't be me. I am a big believer that if we do/buy what we enjoy in life, we'll in turn be spending less in all areas of our life. Why? Because we're buying/doing what we like, we'll feel better about ourselves and our life so we won't be trying to fill a void with other things. (In case you're wondering I learned all this the hard way so I am speaking from my own experience here)

Anyone else feel like this?

2littleladies · 04-03-2007, 08:21 AM

Yes I feel the same way. I am pretty frugal about things that make sense, like 5$ coffee. But when it comes to things that make me feel good Im not sure its always a good idea to do without. Fashionable , quality clothes make me feel good. That doesnt meen that I spend a fortune, I buy when one sale and I stick to stores that are in my price range. I gave up my Macy's card a long time ago. I like my designer purse and good shoes. They are a part of who I am , good or bad.

Happymom · 04-03-2007, 08:25 AM

No, you can't give up everything!!! Everyone needs some little indulgences. The secret is to know how and when to limit yourself.

sweethearrtofdc · 04-03-2007, 08:26 AM

I think that we are frugal in some areas, so that we can have the things we enjoy (at least thats my case) I clip coupons and cut down on our food bill, shop as frugally as possible, and have no cc debt so that my kids can participate in all the extra activities that they desire, dh gets to spend on his tools and I get to stay home with my kids and still be able to go to school for my degree.

Spoodler · 04-03-2007, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Happymom

No, you can't give up everything!!! Everyone needs some little indulgences. The secret is to know how and when to limit yourself.

ITA! I splurge on Quaker oatmeal squares cereal. It's never on sale and is kind of pricey anyway, but I love it so I buy it anyway. I also splurge on Horizon Organic milk half gallons. My husband loves pita chips...$3 for a 5 oz bag!

As long as he eats them, it's fine to buy them on occasion.

When we needed new towels I splurged on large thick fluffy ones.

It's ok to splurge on some things, but when you start justifying every purchase as a "you deserve it splurge" then you cross over from being frugal to a spendthrift.

Daisymum · 04-03-2007, 11:57 AM

We are frugal-- but we arent cheap and for the most part we do not deprive ourselves. We will have takeout if we are really tired and dont want to cook. we get netflix. we have cable and wireless internet.

we budget, but we dont go overboard. we could save more yes, if we gave up more. But i am a firm believer that life is short, and you should do what makes you happy and enjoy yourself. without getting out of control, of course.

stevesgal · 04-03-2007, 12:15 PM

I admit I am frugal- especially when it comes to me. If I need a new piece of clothing I usually will go for quality over quanity (and it has to be on sale). It usually lasts me longer than the cheaper things. I think it kind of balances itself out. I try not to spend too much money on things and cut back on a few unneccsary expenses and we can induldge in a few things that we enjoy.

Stormy · 04-03-2007, 01:59 PM

I like finding alternatives. For example, I love to go to the spa or get a pedicure at the last moment ~ however, shelling out $45 for a pedicure these days 'ain't happening'. So imagine my delight when I got in the mail the other day a beauty school that has just opened up near me. They offer $20 pedicures - ok, ok, they are not 'professional'. Yet. But to me it's a great alternative. This is what we've been trying to do this year.

I really don't feel deprived when I at least do 'something' and not totally cut everything out. We used to go out fairly often and I have to tell you, all those "Friday", "Red Robin", "Ruby Tuesdays" places get so old. The food is not healthy. Now we go to a Lebanese restaurant near us - the food is good/fresh/good for you and inexpensive. We don't go often. It's definitely more a treat now. I feel good about our changes so far. We do have 'frugaility' weeks where even a modest treat isn't going to happen. But we appreciate the times we do go out, now that they are less often (maybe once every 3 weeks) and definitely more healthy.

mom23kj · 04-03-2007, 02:22 PM

I am frugal and my DH would say that in some areas I'm down right cheap. But every once in a while I splurge, like tonight we are having steaks, but it's only because they were on sale for about 50% off this week. I am in desperate need for some short sleeve shirts, I have 4 left, the others were all baby spit up stained and I guess I am just messy. I will not buy some thing just because I need it, I search for the right thing and I refuse to pay full price. I threw more $$ away over the years impulse buying and buying stop gaps instead of what I really needed/wanted.